Acrylic laser cutting and engraving is popular nowadays because of its ease of fabrication, durability, and high-quality products. When we use the laser cut, depending on the acrylic we are using, the laser can produce a smooth, flame-polished edge. When a laser is engraved on the acrylic, it produces a frosty white engraving.
The acrylic laser cutting / engraving has revolutionized the designing, signage and fabrication world. Beautiful designs and shapes can be created using acrylic with the help of a laser.
Types of acrylic
Acrylic is a thermoplastic material and is used in various industries. It has high durability and impact-resistance properties. The acrylic engraving and cutting are done with two types of acrylics, and they are :
Cast acrylic
Extruded acrylic
1. Cast Acrylic
Cast acrylic products are made from liquid acrylic. When these liquid acrylic ingredients are poured into a glass mould, they harden into a strong sheet with different shapes and sizes. Cast acrylic sheets are ideal for acrylic engraving because they produce a frosty white engraving. While laser-cutting, cast acrylic will not produce flame-polished edges. This type of acrylic is best for engraving. Cast acrylic is available in many colours and thicknesses, but the clear type is mostly used.
2. Extruded Acrylic
Extruded acrylic sheets are made by pushing the liquid ingredients through an extruder and rollers. It is less expensive than cast acrylic. While laser-cutting, this acrylic will cut cleanly and smoothly and will have a flame-polished edge. When it is engraved, it produces a clear engraving instead of a frosty look.
Methods used in acrylic and their applications
Acrylic Engraving
In acrylic engraving, complicated designs are engraved on the acrylic surface. This is done using lasers on the back side of acrylic sheets to produce a look-through effect from the front.
There is a protective adhesive film on the front and back sides of the acrylic sheets to prevent them from getting scratched. Before acrylic engraving, the protective adhesive film is removed from the backside. Since the artwork is done on the back side of the sheets, it is reversed or mirrored before sending.
Acrylic engraving is noteworthy because of its
1. Personalization:
We can personalise acrylic items using acrylic engraving, such
as personalised gifts, trophies, and memoranda.
2. Contrast and detail:
After engraving, there will be a contrast area between the
acrylic and the design area; the contrast area will make the
design more noticeable.
3. Durability:
Since the acrylic-engraved items are durable, they are less
prone to wear and tear. So engraving is more suitable for
frequently used items.
4. Multi-Layer effect:
Three-dimensional and multi-layered effects are possible by varying the depth of engraving.
Applications of acrylic engraving
- Awards and trophies with acrylic engraving are very popular nowadays.
- Customised gifts like photo frames, keychains, and
plaques are possible with acrylic engraving.
- Acrylic engraving can be used for making logos and
branding for many businesses.
- The designers are making decorative designs, wall art,
and room dividers from engraved acrylic panels.
Acrylic Cutting
Acrylic cutting using lasers is an efficient method for shaping
the acrylic sheets. Acrylic cutting is done at high
temperatures, so this will produce fumes. These fumes are
dangerous, so always use protective measures during these
processes.
The factors that make acrylic cutting so popular are
1. Precision cutting:
Since a laser beam is used for cutting the acrylic sheets,
precise and sharp cuts are possible. Which allows
complicated designs, geometrical shapes, and lettering.
2. Clean edges:
Because of the laser, the edges of the acrylic sheets will be
clean without chipping or cracking.
3. Material compatibility:
Acrylic laser cutting is possible on different types of acrylic
material, such as cast acrylic and extruded acrylic. This
provides flexibility in material selection for different projects.
4. Customization:
The customization of acrylic sheets is easy with the help of
laser cutting.
5. Reduced waste:
Laser cutting is a noncontact process, so it produces minimal
waste and thus saves material.
Application of acrylic cutting
- Acrylic cutting using lasers is used for the making of
interior and exterior logos and lettering.
- Complicated art pieces, jewellery, and decorative
screens can be made with acrylic laser cutting.
- Since acrylic cutting allows quick adjustments and
precise detailing, engineers and product designers rely
on this method for making prototypes.
- Using this method, architectural models are made.
Conclusion
Acrylic laser cutting/engraving should be used according to
the project goals. These methods have changed the
perspective of acrylic usage in industries. The precision,
durability, and versatility of these methods make acrylic play
an important role in the engineering and design worlds..
